Up for sale, a 1952 Fender Precision Bass in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order. Rare in any condition, this exceptional Precision Bass is a remarkably well preserved example from the very first months of production, with a very low two-digit serial number embossed on the bridge base. A true holy grail instrument, this bass is historically significant for being one of the first examples of the model that launched an industry and a new way of thinking about bass as an instrument.
Extremely resonant and soulful, there's a real versatility and expressive range to this bass that's not always credited to this model. Weighing 8lbs 15oz ("fully clothed" with the ashtray bridge/pickup covers), there's a dry acoustic snap and presence to the tone, and the thump and subtle growl of the 45-105 flatwound strings can really be heard through the single coil pickup. Of course there's plenty of low end on tap as well, and the pickup balances articulation and fullness nicely. Roll off the tone control slightly and notes instantly get rounder and meatier, sitting perfectly in the mix while being both present and subdued. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, this Precision Bass is dialed in with ideal action and intonation.
The maple neck features a very chunky, yet subtle V shaped profile which rounds out to an inviting C shape by the 9th fret. It's a unique and extremely playable profile measuring .880" deep at the 1st fret and filling out to .995" at the 12th fret with perfectly rolled fretboard edges. The heel is penciled dated “7-3-52” and also bears the initials “TG,” as it was crafted by Fender’s preeminent neck shaper, Tadeo Gomez. The profile retains much of the original gloss nitro lacquer which has notably ambered and shows palm wear primarily behind frets 1-5, extending up the treble side edge of the profile to fret 7. The original slender frets are intact on the lacquered maple fretboard, with light, uniform wear on the crowns on frets 1-6, with sparingly little wear further up the board. The stock nut measures 1 11/16" in width. On the headstock, the original "Precision Bass" waterslide decal is intact and in remarkable shape, with plenty of silver left in the Fender font and almost no wear to the text. The stock string tree is present as well, along with the original tuning machines with clover buttons, reverse gears, and flathead screws anchoring the tuner shafts.
All of the electronics work as they should, with unusual Clarostat pots seen only in the very first production Precision Basses. These pots date to the 20th week of '52, and are bridged by the original "chewing gum" tone cap. Rounding out the date codes, the neck pocket is dated 7-3-52 and a perfect match to the body, signed by another Fender employee, "Eddie." The original control plate, domed knurled knobs, string ferrules, and neck plate are intact and in great shape, and the bridge retains both the exceedingly early two-digit serial number and the pair of stock phenolic saddles. The jack cup is the only replacement component on the bass and is a faithful replica crafted by Rutters. The stock single-ply bakelite pickguard is positively gorgeous and remarkably clean, showing the circular marks common around the original painted maple finger rest and light pickwear into the guard and through the lacquer just south of the G string.
Cosmetically, the original transparent Butterscotch nitro lacquer finish is intact and has aged to deeply ambered shade, exhibiting a distinct "tan line" when comparing the exposed finish with the finish protected under the pickguard and control plate. The lacquer is 100% original aside from four tiny doweled screw holes from a different input jack mounting plate which have targeted touchup. There is tight, subtle lacquer checking on the body extending in all directions, with a light sliver of wear through the lacquer on the lower bout bass side edge where the forearm crosses the slab body. The back of the instrument has one spot of targeted buckle rash at the treble-side waist, as a previous owner had the bass slung particularly high. Additionally there is a fainter patch of buckle rash just south of the neck plate and some requisite small nicks and light edge wear down to the bare ash on the back edge of the slab body.
This is a rare chance one of the very first Fender Precision Basses ever made, collector-owned, thoroughly vetted, and extremely original.
An older Fender-branded tweed reissue G&G hardshell case is included.
Check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar," and please let us know if we can answer any questions!
Shipping in the continental USA will be $275, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Two Day. Expedited shipping available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import. We have all necessary CITES paperwork in-hand to ship rosewood worldwide.
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